Home network wifi security

Third party marks are the property of their respective owners. Residential Small Business Chat. Accessories Check for Deals at My Home. Support Support Center Contact Us. Support Sign In. Residential x. Cancel Continue. Home WiFi security. How do I secure my WiFi? Follow these tips to safeguard your router often referred to as a "modem" and your WiFi network: Change the default name of your home WiFi network. Most wireless routers come with a preset default password.

To enhance cybersecurity , consider changing the default to a strong, unique password that potential hackers are less likely to guess or decode. You can change your WiFi password in two ways: through the My Products area of the CenturyLink app, or in the Wireless Settings of your secure modem user interface.

Be sure to avoid using the same password that you already use for other accounts, as this makes it easier for a hacker to access your information across devices or platforms. Firmware is the special software that keeps your router running. Updates often include new security protections, so your router can become more vulnerable to threats and cyberattacks if this firmware gets outdated. WPA3 is the newer — and best — encryption available, but both will work to scramble your information.

Older Router? If those are the only options listed, try updating your router software. Some routers come with preset passwords out of the box. The Wi-Fi network password : this is the one you use to connect your devices to the network. A unique and secure Wi-Fi network password prevents strangers from getting onto your network.

The router admin password : this is the one that lets you into the administrative side of the device. There, you can do things like change settings including the Wi-Fi network password. If a hacker managed to log into the admin side of your router, the hacker could change the settings including your Wi-Fi password. That would undo any other security steps you may be taking. Contact the manufacturer directly. Keep your router up to date.

To make sure you hear about the latest version, register your router with the manufacturer, and sign up to get updates. Use a firewall. A firewall is hardware or software that can help protect your PC from unauthorized users or malicious software malware. Running a firewall on each PC on your network can help control the spread of malicious software on your network, and help protect your PCs when you're accessing the Internet.

Windows Firewall is included with this version of Windows. Select the Network or Wifi icon in the notification area. In the list of networks, choose the network that you want to connect to, and then select Connect. If you have problems with your Wi-Fi network when using Windows 10, see Fix Wi-Fi problems in Windows for advanced troubleshooting info. Choose the network that you want to connect to, and then select Connect. If you have problems with your Wi-Fi network when using Windows 11, see Fix Wi-Fi problems in Windows for advanced troubleshooting info.

Windows 11 Windows 10 Windows 7 Windows 8. Type the security key often called the password. Follow additional instructions if there are any. Need more help? Join the discussion. Was this information helpful?

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